News for 'government benefits'

Why India Wants UN Sanctions On Afghanistan Revised

Why India Wants UN Sanctions On Afghanistan Revised

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

India has urged the United Nations to update its sanctions regime against Afghanistan, arguing that it must reflect the changed political reality and focus on incentivising positive actions rather than solely relying on punitive measures. India highlighted its ongoing humanitarian and development support for the Afghan people.

Keir Starmer resigns as British PM, Andy Burnham likely successor

Keir Starmer resigns as British PM, Andy Burnham likely successor

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

British Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, stating he will remain in post until a successor is elected by mid-July. The decision follows questions from his parliamentary party regarding his leadership for the next general election, with Andy Burnham widely tipped as a potential successor.

PM Modi Blasts Mamata Banerjee Government, Urges Voters to Oust TMC

PM Modi Blasts Mamata Banerjee Government, Urges Voters to Oust TMC

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, accusing it of misrule and hindering the state's progress. He appealed to voters to remove the TMC from power in the upcoming assembly elections, promising development and a corruption-free government under the BJP.

Iran peace deal not final, will go back to war if...: Trump

Iran peace deal not final, will go back to war if...: Trump

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

A US-Iran memorandum of understanding is set to be signed, outlining sanctions relief, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a 60-day negotiation window for Iran's uranium enrichment, but US President Donald Trump has underscored the deal's conditional nature, warning of military action if Tehran fails to comply.

Bengal Villagers Recover 'Cut Money' Paid During TMC Rule

Bengal Villagers Recover 'Cut Money' Paid During TMC Rule

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Villagers in Mathabhanga, West Bengal, have started receiving refunds of 'cut money' they paid to local toughs to access government scheme benefits during the previous TMC regime. The BJP claims this is due to their rise to power, while the TMC denies any involvement in the illegal collections.

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Maharashtra BJP MLC Pravin Darekar announced the launch of 'Devabhau' and 'Chhava' cooperative taxi services in Mumbai, aiming to counter private aggregators and benefit drivers directly, but the scheme has drawn sharp criticism from social activist Anjali Damania and the Opposition Congress over the proposed use of Mumbai Bank funds and its political branding.

PM Modi Blasts Mamata Banerjee's Government, Urges Voters to Oust TMC

PM Modi Blasts Mamata Banerjee's Government, Urges Voters to Oust TMC

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, citing misrule and corruption, and urged voters to elect the BJP for development and progress.

10 Black Comedies You Must Watch

10 Black Comedies You Must Watch

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

From Mollywood Times to Mohiniyattam, these black comedies from South Cinema prove that the darkest humour can also deliver the sharpest entertainment.

Bengal To Probe Fraud In Women's Cash Transfer Scheme

Bengal To Probe Fraud In Women's Cash Transfer Scheme

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal's Chief Minister has ordered a special investigation into alleged fake accounts linked to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, a women's cash transfer initiative by the previous government, citing illegal cash transfers and men falsely claiming benefits.

Sometimes Trump and I don't see eye to eye: Netanyahu

Sometimes Trump and I don't see eye to eye: Netanyahu

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his actions amid growing resentment over an emerging US-Iran deal, asserting that Iran would never possess nuclear weapons. He faced criticism from opposition figures like Naftali Bennett and addressed concerns about Israel's security zones and relations with the US.

Modi surpasses Nehru, becomes India's longest-serving elected PM

Modi surpasses Nehru, becomes India's longest-serving elected PM

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to hold a crucial meeting to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record of 4,399 days.

Gujarat High Court Grants Yusuf Pathan Four Weeks In Vadodara Land Dispute

Gujarat High Court Grants Yusuf Pathan Four Weeks In Vadodara Land Dispute

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Gujarat High Court has granted former cricketer and TMC MP Yusuf Pathan four weeks to pursue his claim on a piece of land in Vadodara under a state policy. The court warned him that further delays in vacating the plot would result in higher damages, noting he has occupied the land since 2014 without payment despite an unfavourable allotment decision.

FIT India Cyclothon Promotes Cycling Amid Fuel Concerns

FIT India Cyclothon Promotes Cycling Amid Fuel Concerns

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led the FIT India Cyclothon in Mumbai, advocating for cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. The event, attended by Narsingh Yadav and Jackie Shroff, highlighted the importance of cycling for personal health, environmental sustainability, and energy conservation, especially amidst global fuel supply concerns.

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

'We ourselves hadn't heard it initially. Many people called us. The entire village was overjoyed.'

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with his council of ministers, focusing on enhancing 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business' and setting the goal of a developed India by 2047.

PIX: Yoga unites world as Indian missions lead global events

PIX: Yoga unites world as Indian missions lead global events

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Thousands of yoga enthusiasts across the world marked the International Day of Yoga on Sunday, as Indian missions abroad organised events to highlight the ancient practice's role in fostering health and well-being.

Prez Murmu's Village Gears Up For PM Modi

Prez Murmu's Village Gears Up For PM Modi

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

In the remote tribal village of Pahadpur, preparations are in full swing as it looks to script history.

Punjab Police Vows Justice For Slain Officer's Family

Punjab Police Vows Justice For Slain Officer's Family

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav visited the family of a murdered assistant sub-inspector in Batala, assuring them that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. ASI Joga Singh was shot dead on May 24 while commuting to work.

'What Happened With Anthropic Is A Wake-Up Call'

'What Happened With Anthropic Is A Wake-Up Call'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

'It shows that access to these technologies cannot be taken for granted.'

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, has reassured the public that individual data collected during the upcoming census will remain confidential and cannot be used for any purpose other than statistical aggregation.

Pakistan to host 'historic signing' of US-Iran peace agreement

Pakistan to host 'historic signing' of US-Iran peace agreement

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan would host the signing ceremony of a peace agreement between the US and Iran in Switzerland on June 19, calling it a "historic milestone" that ends a 107-day conflict and promises global economic stability.

Sri Lanka Court Imposes Travel Ban On Gotabaya Rajapaksa Over Easter Attack Probe

Sri Lanka Court Imposes Travel Ban On Gotabaya Rajapaksa Over Easter Attack Probe

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

A Sri Lankan court has imposed an overseas travel ban on former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two former military officers in connection with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. The ban was issued after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) raised concerns that their flight could hamper the probe into the coordinated suicide bombings that killed 270 people. The current government reopened the investigation in late 2024, alleging political influence led to an earlier cover-up.

SC questions need for quota for children of well-to-do OBC families

SC questions need for quota for children of well-to-do OBC families

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has questioned the continued provision of reservation benefits to children from economically and educationally advanced families within backward classes, highlighting concerns about social mobility and fairness.

CPI(M) Alleges Sabotage In Sabarimala Gold Case Over Lawyer Appointment

CPI(M) Alleges Sabotage In Sabarimala Gold Case Over Lawyer Appointment

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Congress-led UDF government's decision to appoint a defence lawyer for the accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case as a Devaswom advocate has drawn strong criticism from the opposition CPI(M), which alleges the move is an attempt to sabotage the ongoing probe and protect political figures.

Pressure mounts on UK PM Starmer as Burnham emerges as challenger

Pressure mounts on UK PM Starmer as Burnham emerges as challenger

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Keir Starmer has come under mounting pressure to resign as the leader of the Labour Party to pave the way for Andy Burnham to take over as the new British Prime Minister.

How Haryana's Auto-Mutation System Is Revolutionising Land Records

How Haryana's Auto-Mutation System Is Revolutionising Land Records

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Haryana has significantly reformed its land records administration, reducing pending mutation cases by over 90% and implementing an auto-mutation system. This digitisation effort aims to make land management faster, more transparent, and technology-driven, improving efficiency and public trust.

Government Penalises Companies for CSR Violations

Government Penalises Companies for CSR Violations

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Indian government has imposed penalties totalling nearly 20 crore on various companies for non-compliance with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) norms over the past three financial years, as revealed in the Rajya Sabha.

UK bans social media for kids under 16, WhatsApp not included

UK bans social media for kids under 16, WhatsApp not included

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a ban on social media access for all children under the age of 16, citing their 'happiness and safety'. The ban, which will not include messaging apps like WhatsApp, aims to protect children from harmful content, bullying, and the addictive nature of platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Legislative powers are in place for the law to come into force by Spring next year.

'Yoga for peace, warships for security': Modi commissions 3 naval vessels

'Yoga for peace, warships for security': Modi commissions 3 naval vessels

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday used two major public engagements in Kolkata to outline a broader vision for India's future -- one rooted in inner balance and collective well-being through yoga, and the other in national self-reliance and maritime strength.

Agniveers can't claim parity with regular soldiers: Govt

Agniveers can't claim parity with regular soldiers: Govt

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Union government has informed the Bombay High Court that Agniveers are not "similarly situated" as regular soldiers and hence, cannot claim parity in pensionary benefits for their next of kin in the event of death in action.

Saini Criticises AAP's Governance in Punjab, Highlights BJP's Development Agenda

Saini Criticises AAP's Governance in Punjab, Highlights BJP's Development Agenda

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticised the Aam Aadmi Party's governance in Punjab, citing issues such as drug addiction, crime, and financial instability. He promoted the BJP as an alternative, highlighting their development agenda and commitment to fulfilling promises.

Experts Urge Ethical AI Governance and Indigenous Development for India

Experts Urge Ethical AI Governance and Indigenous Development for India

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Experts at a discussion in Delhi emphasised the importance of ethical governance and indigenous capability in India's pursuit of becoming a global artificial intelligence power, ensuring technology serves the public good and maintains strategic autonomy.

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged states to balance the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence with the need to safeguard against social challenges like cyber fraud and drug abuse. He also warned of the risks posed by El Nino conditions, calling for stronger water conservation measures and emphasising the collective resolve towards a 'Viksit Bharat'.

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijit Dipke, is staging a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and repeated paper leaks. Dipke has stated he will not leave until their demands are met and has requested Delhi Police to extend permission for the ongoing demonstration.

Delhi Court Grants Bail In Coaching Institute Scam Case

Delhi Court Grants Bail In Coaching Institute Scam Case

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A Delhi court has granted bail to a director of a coaching institute accused in an alleged scam linked to a Delhi government scheme, stating that his continued imprisonment would serve no purpose.

Blessings of 140 crore Indians my greatest strength: Modi

Blessings of 140 crore Indians my greatest strength: Modi

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has surpassed Jawaharlal Nehru's record to become India's longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister. He expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, NDA chief ministers, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for their wishes, attributing his achievements to the collective efforts and aspirations of 140 crore Indians and reaffirming his commitment to a 'Viksit Bharat'.

Meet Dr Ros Rivaz, ICC's new face after Indra Nooyi

Meet Dr Ros Rivaz, ICC's new face after Indra Nooyi

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The ICC has announced the appointment of Dr. Ros Rivaz as its new Independent Director, succeeding Indra Nooyi. Rivaz brings extensive experience in governance, corporate strategy, and operational effectiveness to the role.

West Bengal's 'Cut-Money' Scandal: TMC Leader Hides From Angry Mob

West Bengal's 'Cut-Money' Scandal: TMC Leader Hides From Angry Mob

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared a video purportedly showing a TMC leader hiding from an angry crowd over alleged 'cut-money' extortion in West Bengal. The incident highlights growing public anger and demands for the return of money taken from beneficiaries of government schemes, with the TMC leadership denying involvement.

Household Healthcare Costs Rise Again

Household Healthcare Costs Rise Again

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Private hospitals accounted for 30.8 per cent of current health expenditure in FY23, while pharmaceuticals and medical goods contributed more than 21 per cent, underlining continued dependence on private healthcare and medicine spending.